Nigeria and DR Congo clash on Sunday in the Africa World Cup qualifying playoff final. The winner will go ahead to compete in an intercontinental playoff early next year for the chance to be at the World Cup. Seven-time participants at the soccer mundial, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have labored to qualify for the global showpiece in North America, making it to the playoff only on the final day of the regular qualification. DR Congo is thirsty for a second outing at the FIFA World Cup, having only attended the 1974 edition. Both sides came through a tough semifinal matchup, with Nigeria needing extra time to scale the Gabonese hurdle, while DR Congo upset Cameroon, edging the Indomitable Lions out with an injury-time goal. The odds are nearly equal, but Nigeria stays as the slight favorite.
Bet on Nigeria vs. DR Congo with Bet365
Nigeria vs DR Congo Match Details
- Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Time: 20:00 WAT
- Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat, Morocco
Where to Watch Nigeria vs DR Congo Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | FIFA+ |
| US | FIFA+ |
| Canada | FIFA+ |
| Nigeria | Supersport CAFTV |
Nigeria vs DR Congo Match Preview
Nigeria: form and statistics
The Super Eagles have scored eight goals and conceded once in their last two World Cup qualifying games. They are attempting to avoid a repeat of the playoff exit at the last World Cup, when they lost to Ghana. Following a 4-0 demolition of Benin to sneak into the playoffs, Eric Chelle's boys were expected to beat Gabon, but the Super Eagles could not break down an organised Gabonese defence until a 78-minute error allowed Akor Adams to pounce on a loose ball and give the Nigerians the lead. But, following the theme of this 2026 qualification series for the Super Eagles, a Mario Lemina shot with one minute left in regulation hit a defender, wrong-footed the goalkeeper and brought the Gabonese level. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen had a glorious opportunity to win it in injury time but the in-form striker scoffed at his lines. In accordance with their flip flopping streak, the Super Eagles brushed aside the Gabonese in extra time, scoring three quick goals to win 4-1 on the night. Wilfred Ndidi, who provided two assists in the game, has been cleared by CAF to play in the final, despite being yellow-carded in the game against Gabon, as CAF clarified that the yellow cards accumulated in the regular qualification will not be carried over to the playoffs.
Nigeria possible starting lineup
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi, Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Ejuke, Osimhen, Adams
Bet on Nigeria vs. DR Congo with Bet365DR Congo: form and statistics
The Leopards continue to excel on the back of their water-tight defense, upsetting Cameroon in their semifinal playoff matchup game on Thursday. Captain Chancel Mbemba and former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe have formed a solid partnership that has been difficult to breach. Supported by the likes of West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sebastian Desabre’s team have mastered the act of winning by the solitary goal. Against Cameroon, it was Mbemba who scored the stoppage time goal. The Leopards finished the regular qualification rounds two points behind Senegal and comfortably made it to the playoffs The last meeting with Nigeria was a 1-1 draw in 2018 in a friendly match. The Congolese have the better head-to-head with three wins to Nigeria’s two.
DR Congo possible Starting lineup
Mpazi, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayenbe, Montoussamy, Pickel, Sadiki, Mbuku, Bakambu, Bongonda
Nigeria vs DR Congo Match Prediction
The game is likely to see the Super Eagles pressing forward and probing for the goal while the Leopards sit back and wait for the counters and set plays. The Congolese should be confident in their ability to manage their more illustrious opponents in a neutral venue like Rabat. The Eagles, led by their talismanic forward, Osimhen cannot afford to be wasteful against the thrifty Congolese. Eric Chelle must find a way to get his star-studded attack firing consistently, rather than this Jekyll and Hyde form. Indeed, positive signs were evident in the extra-time performance against Gabon, but the Super Eagles have flattered to deceive throughout this qualifying campaign. The availability of Ndidi is a major boost, with CAF clearing him to play on Saturday. Despite their advertised woes, the Nigerians have lost only one game in this qualifiers. We predict Nigeria to win.
Nigeria vs DR Congo Betting Odds
| Bookmakers | Nigeria to win | Under 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 2.10 | 1.50 |
| 1xBet | 2.193 | 1.546 |
| Betway | 2.16 | 1.47 |
